Monroe County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 20.  Classes resume on Tuesday, February 21.  
Monroe Messages
Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
MP Boys Basketball Advances to Sweet Sixteen
With an 81-77 win over Eastside, Mary Persons Boys Basketball advances to the second round of state playoffs this week against St. Pius. 
Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment Process Begins Tuesday:  Pick Up Packets
PRE-K:  Children four years of age on or before September 1, 2017 are eligible to enroll for the 2017-2018 school year.  Placement is made on a first come, first served basis with COMPLETED enrollment.  School assignment will be determined at enrollment appointments.

KINDERGARTEN:  Children five years of age on or before September 1, 2017 are eligible to enroll for the 2017-2018 school year.  School assignment will be determined at enrollment appointments.

Students currently enrolled in the Monroe County Schools Pre-K program are not required to complete the enrollment process for Kindergarten.

To enroll your student, you must provide a completed enrollment packet at the time of your enrollment appointment.  Below is the timeline for enrollment for Monroe County parents/ guardians.

February 21, 2017 Pre-K and Kindergarten registration packets will be available for pick up at the Monroe County Board of Education from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

February 27, 2017 Pre-K and Kindergarten parent(s)/guardian(s) may call or go on-line to
schedule an appointment to register their child.  A link will be available at
http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us to make the appointment or the parent/guardian may call Cindy Seymour, System Registrar, 478-994-2031 to schedule the appointment.

March 6, 2017 Registration Appointments begin.  

Monroe County Schools require the following documentation for enrollment:
  1. A birth certificate showing proof of age of your child;
  2. Your child's social security card;
  3. Georgia Form 3231 - your child's up-to-date immunization form;
  4. Georgia Form 3300 - your child's ear, eye, dental, and nutrition record; and
  5. Three Proofs of Residency.  See our website for more enrollment details.
Please contact Cindy Seymour, System Registrar, at 478-994-2031 with any questions or concerns.
MCBOE Recognizes TG Scott Students and Staff
The Board of Education recognizes TG Scott students who recently won the Parachute Design/Engineering Challenge Competition at the GCSU Regional Science Fair.   The students are Ella Magda, Hunt McAteer, William Little, and Cole Battles.  They are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr., and TG Scott Principal Dr. Richard Bazemore.

Elizabeth James, TG Scott student, was recognized for her outstanding science fair project which recently won at the GCSU Regional Science Fair.  Her project was "Best in Class for fifth grade entries, and her project was declared "Best in Show."

Misti Tonn and Holli Shipman were recognized.  Mrs. Tonn has written multiple grants which have outfitted the school's science lab.  Mrs.  Shipman was recognized for her years of service as the school's Positive Behavior Instructional Supports (PBIS) coordinator.

TGScott staff members were recognized for their years of service.  They are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr.,  Assistant Superintendent Alicia Elder, and TG Scott Elementary Principal Dr. Richard Bazemore.
TG Scott Service Award recipients were recognized.  Five years:  Karen Peters, Leah Pritchett.  Ten years:  Cathy Brooks, Ginger Maddox, Stacey Nash, Angela Taylor, Misti Tonn, Patricia Waite.  Fifteen years:  Paula Cobb, Dr. Valerie Jackson, Paula Mitchell, Holli Shipman, Curtis Moore.  Twenty years:  Charyl Woods.  Twenty-five years:  Nelleeta Davis, Leigh Grant.  Thirty years:  Arlene Alford.
MCBOE Recognizes Nutrition Team Members
Monroe County Schools Nutrition Team members were recognized for outstanding service.  Katrina High was recognized for efficiently and effectively serving while the TGS supervisor was on medical leave.  Rebecca Williams was recognized for outstanding catering services for Board of Education meetings. Michele Roberts was recognized for mentoring new nutrition team members.  They are pictured with School Nutrition Director Lisa Singley, Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, and MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr.  Pictured below are nutrition team members recognized for their years of service.  Elizabeth Weatherford was recognized for five years of service.  Stacy Erikson was recognized for ten years of service.  Barbara Lyons was recognized for 25 years of service.  They are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, School  Nutrition Director Lisa Singley, Assistant Superintendent Alicia Elder, and MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr.

Navicent Health Recognized as 
"Friend of Education"
Pictured above are Mary Persons High School Healthcare Science Program students, Navicent Health staff members, Healthcare Science Program Teacher Deborah Christian, and MCBOE staff members .
Mary Persons High School's Healthcare Science program has long been a point of pride for our school system, our students, and our community. Students interested in pursuing a medical field of study have the opportunity to learn basic skills and concepts which are valuable beyond measure.
When our Healthcare Science students have the opportunity to interact with health care professionals, to have hands-on experience with actual equipment and supplies, and to work side-by-side with medical practitioners, the value of that education is increased even more. That is where our new Friend of Education, Navicent Health, plays a vital role.
Navicent has been instrumental in providing the our Healthcare Science students with relevant, real-world experiences by providing guest speakers on a variety of topics, by donating medical supplies such as suturing equipment and consumable surgical tools, by having EMTs teach Basic Life Supports for Adults & Infants and the "Stop the Bleed!" protocols, and by having students work with Navicent staff during community and Forsythia Health Fairs. As the Healthcare Science Program works to attain Industry Recertification this year, Navicent Health has been an essential voice of business and industry in this rigorous process.
Navicent's support is not limited to the high school, though. Speakers from Navicent have worked with elementary students to teach hygiene. A Navicent representative is an active member of the Superintendent's Parent & Community Advisory Committee. And, Navicent supports our athletics and other extra-curricular groups in purchasing program advertisements and providing other sponsorships.
The role Navicent plays in our community and in the education of our students is significant. We say "Thank You" as we honor Navicent as our newest Monroe County Schools Friend of Education.
Mary Persons High School Welcomes Robert Lindsey, New Assistant Principal
Robert Lindsey was named Mary Persons High School's Assistant Principal at Tuesday evening's Board of Education.  He is pictured with Mary Persons High School Principal Dr. Jim Finch.  Mr. Lindsey, a veteran classroom teacher and coach, is currently a physical education teacher at Monroe County Middle School.  
Message from Monroe County Schools Counselors:  Soft Skills are Important
Have you ever heard of the term soft skills but didn't know what it meant?  Soft skills are everyday interpersonal skills job seekers need to succeed on the job. They include communicating clearly and appropriately, remembering work directions, working well with others, and knowing how to solve problems. These skills will help youth succeed in life no matter what they are doing. They are necessary for youth to succeed in education, job training, independent living, community participation, and, ultimately, in the workplace.  There are five qualities that employers look for:  ability to work on a team, leadership, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic.
According to the National Collaboration on Workforce and Disability for Youth, there are things families can do at home to help teens with soft skills development.  A few are listed below.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Much communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal communication is important when interacting with employers, coworkers, and customers. Youth may need to improve aspects of nonverbal communication, such as making proper eye contact.
How to Help:
  • Have your family member look people in the eye and shake hands when introducing him to other adults. Practice the nonverbal language that would take place at a job interview. Let your son or daughter know that it's important to have eye contact with the person doing the interviewing and to limit fidgeting or nervous movements.
  • Model proper posture, such as standing up straight instead of slouching. Remind your child proper posture communicates confidence.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Is your child ready to take direction from and work cooperatively with others?
Teamwork and the ability to work well with others consistently appear among the highest ranked qualities employers are looking for in an employee in the annual surveys of National Association of Colleges and Employers. In today's world, this includes the ability to communicate and work with people from different racial, religious, ability, and ethnic groups.
How to Help:
  • Encourage your child to help an elderly neighbor with yard work or volunteer as a family to serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Youth can learn about working with others by volunteering.
  • Play games as a family and encourage team work. Board games help youth build many skills that apply to work: cooperating with others, taking turns, following rules, controlling emotions, and learning new knowledge and skills.
Does your youth know how to handle conflicts?
Self-control, respecting others, and being able to deal with conflict are important soft skills. Refusing to follow directions and orders and the inability to get along with other people are among the most common reasons people get fired.
How to Help:
  • Help your child understand how his behavior may contribute to a misunderstanding. If he talks about a social mishap that happened at work, help him reflect on the situation. Ask your child to determine what he did right, and also discuss if there was anything he or his work colleagues could have done differently. If necessary, discuss next steps to address the misunderstanding.
  • Explain to your son or daughter that taking directions and accepting constructive criticism is a part of being an employee. Reinforce this skill by giving directions in the home for such things as chores. Make sure your child responds appropriately to the directions given, and practice more appropriate responses if she does not.
  • Apologize to your son or daughter if necessary. Nothing makes a bigger impression on teens than adults admitting they were wrong.
LIFELONG LEARNING SKILLS
Does your family member demonstrate personal responsibility, initiative, self-management, and perseverance?
How to Help:
  • Have your son or daughter take responsibility for taking care of a pet or getting ready for school or work.
  • Have your youth take charge of a task. For example, if she is planning to get a driver's license, have her call the Department of Motor Vehicles and make a list of the steps involved (getting a permit, enrolling in driver's education, taking written and behind-the-wheel tests, getting insurance).
  • Help your son or daughter understand the unspoken expectations of employers: showing up on time, avoiding personal calls or texting at work, or if working in a public place such as a retail store or the food court at the mall, not having friends hang out at work.
3E Love Shirts to Benefit Students with Disabilities
The Mary Persons High School Access Department is selling 3E Love shirts to support students with disabilities. Checks can be made to Mary Persons High School. Money is due February 24th. Order Forms and money can be turned into Beth Chafin, Annie Dyke, or Elizabeth Holloway at Mary Persons High School. Please Contact Annie Dyke at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Georgia Parent Survey Open through March 3
The Georgia Parent Survey contains 24 questions. Parents may complete the survey using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.  For parents without Internet access, school computers may be used to complete the survey.  All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey.  Data will be used as part of the calculation of the School ClimateStar Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.  Results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to the public and will not be posted online.  Parents, thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey.
Georgia Parent Survey:


BOE committee seeks projects supporting citizens with special needs
The Monroe County School System is looking for projects or initiatives designed to support Monroe County citizens with special needs and/or disabilities. Some projects may be eligible for a financial grant to support the efforts.
 
Recently, the Board of Education was given custodianship over funds from the now inactive Monroe County ARC organization that for many years supported special needs citizens. The Superior Court order giving the BOE custody over the funds states they should be used specifically for the benefit of Monroe County's special needs and disabled citizens. The Board of Ed has created the ARC Committee to oversee the administration of the funds.
 
Each year, during the month of February, the committee will solicit project proposals to be reviewed. The committee will then submit a recommendation to the Board of Education to fund one or more projects at the Board's March meeting.
 
Monroe Countians wishing to submit a project for consideration may do so by preparing a project proposal not to exceed one page. The proposal should include the dollar amount requested and a detailed description of how the funds would be used to benefit Monroe County citizens with special needs.
The proposal should be submitted to:
ARC Committee
c/o Monroe County Schools
PO Box 1308
Forsyth, GA 31029
Submission also may be made by email to [email protected]. Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

A Message from Monroe County Schools Nurses: Using over-the-counter medicine
Use over-the-counter medicine wisely for your child.  
*  Check the type, strength, and dose of the medicine several times before giving it to your child.  These medicines come in different forms and strengths.  Read the label carefully.  This can help prevent the wrong dose.
*  Use the syringe or medicine cup provided with the medicine.
*  Aspirin is not advised for children with fever.
*  Acetaminophen should only be given to babies older than three months unless you have a doctor's order.
*  Ibuprofen should only be used for babies older than six months unless you have a doctor's order.
*  It may take 60 to 90 minutes for these medicines to work.  The temperature may not return to normal, but it should get better, which will make your child more comfortable.
*  Check with your child's doctor before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen with other medicines.  This includes over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
*  Let the doctor know if your child is taking any vitamins, herbal products, supplements, or home remedies.